Applied Graduate Certificate in AI Driven Business Intelligence
Unlocking the Value of Data and AI for Your Organization
Many organizations understand the importance of leveraging operational data for insights and decision-making support. They acknowledge AI’s potential to automate data analysis and uncover valuable insights. However, determining where and how to begin can pose significant challenges. Simply hiring technical experts isn’t sufficient; organizations also require capable leaders who can integrate technology with real-world business strategies.
Employers across various industries currently face a critical opportunity to develop or recruit individuals with these crucial skills. Whether you’re already in the workforce or considering a career change, having specialized knowledge in key technologies presents a chance to enhance your skill set and effectively leverage technology for the organization’s advantage. This program aims to equip you with the necessary skills to meet this demand.
The Canadian Government has identified a severe shortage of skilled labor across sectors such as energy, public utilities, finance, retail, and manufacturing, specifically in technology adoption and application. Now is the time to set yourself apart by enrolling in a program that provides the credentials and expertise needed to excel and stand out in these fields.
This program is run in partnership with the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Program at a Glance
Analytics & Practical AI Applications
- Begins: TBD
- Registration Deadline: TBD
- Delivery Method: Synchronous Online
- Term fee: $1250 + HST
Leading Projects & Change
- Begins: November 5, 2025
- Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025
- Delivery Method: Synchronous Online
- Term fee: $1250 + HST
Powerful Communication
- Begins: February 4, 2026
- Registration Deadline: January 21, 2026
- Delivery Method: Synchronous Online
- Term fee: $1250 + HST
Overview
This is a 6-month program taught over 3 terms (8 weeks per term) to help participants build up the 3 core competencies that are most important for future business challenges: data analytics, project management, and communication strategies. This program offers real-world knowledge and expertise to help you turn data into valuable insights and communicate in a powerful and engaging way. Upon completion, graduates will earn an Applied Graduate Certificate (AGC) and be recognized as highly sought-after professionals.
Topics and Dates
Term 1: Data Analytics & Practical AI Applications
| Module | Module Title | Fall 2025 Dates (7:00pm – 9:00pm) | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GenAI: Overview | TBD | This module offers a comprehensive overview of Generative AI (GenAI), covering its business case, capabilities, and future potential. Participants will explore how GenAI compares to standard AI, what passing human-designed tests like the Bar exam really means for its real-world abilities, and common issues like hallucinations. The module also addressed future trends, including the impact of AI on jobs and what to expect as GenAI continues to evolve. |
| 2 | GenAI: LLMs | TBD | This module introduces participants to using large language models (LLMs) for parsing PDFs with tools like LlamaParse. Participants will learn to automate data extraction, especially from tables, gaining practical experience in turning unstructured data into useful insights. |
| 3 | GenAI: RAG | TBD | In this module, participants will learn to build a GenAI system on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) using large language models (LLMs) for reading and writing tasks. The session covers LLM limitations, efficient prompting, summarization, proofreading, and cost estimation for LLM-based applications. |
| 4 | GenAI: Imagine & Sounds | TBD | In this module, participants will use Teachable Machine to apply no-code machine learning to image, video, and sound tasks. They will learn to collect data from webcams and microphones for sound classification and human pose estimation, gaining practical experience without needing to code. |
| 5 | Descriptive Analytics – Visualizing Data Relationships | TBD | This module introduces the fundamental concepts of descriptive analytics, including measurement principles, data types, descriptive statistics, and data visualization. Participants will learn how to summarize and visualize data effectively, providing a strong foundation for more advanced analytics techniques. Participants will work with a provided dataset using Python to apply the concepts and develop their skills. |
| 6 | Predictive Analytics Part 1 – Building Regression Model | TBD | Participants will learn how to explore relationships between variables using correlation analysis and build predictive models using linear regression. This module focuses on equipping participants with the skills to build and evaluate models that can predict future outcomes based on historical data. Participants will carry out regression model development using Python and a provided dataset. |
| 7 | Predictive Analytics Part 2 – Making Predictions | TBD | This module introduces how to make predictions using the regression model developed previously. Techniques to estimate values for input variables account for uncertainty in predictive models. Participants will learn how to use Monte Carlo simulation to make more robust predictions, providing a deeper understanding of potential outcomes. Participants will carry out hands-on predictions, analysis, and visualization using Python. |
| 8 | Prescriptive Analytics – Providing Insight to Guide Actions | TBD | This module focuses on using clustering techniques to guide prescriptive decision-making. Participants will learn how to generate and analyze data clusters and develop targeted business actions, translating analytical insights into practical, actionable strategies. |
Term 2: Leading Projects & Change
| Module | Module Title | Fall 2025 Dates (7:00pm – 9:00pm) | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reinforcing Project Principles | November 5, 2025 | Learn how to create and manage an implementation plan with best practices in project management. |
| 2 | Integrating AI with Project Tools | November 12, 2025 | Learn to work with end users of the applications to identify specific needs and new workflows. Work with tech specialists to implement the technologies to address goals and needs. |
| 3 | Managing Project Finances | November 19, 2025 | Discover how to apply financial practices to project management and present project success. |
| 4 | Building the Right Space for Collaboration | November 26, 2025 | Practice your best active listening skills and foster a workspace that favours diversity of thought. |
| 5 | Making Decisions as a Team | December 3, 2025 | Articulate the vision of the project to motivate and align the team. Re-enforce the roles and tasks of each team member. |
| 6 | Setting the Stage for Change | December 10, 2025 | Partner with stakeholder groups from initial planning. Constant re-enforcement of the organizational and project goals. |
| 7 | Implementing New Processes | January 21, 2025 | Apply change as both a process and a skill. |
| 8 | Reporting on Change and its Effectiveness | January 28, 2025 | Measure change and effectiveness. Report findings and present to senior leaders. |
Term 3: Powerful Communication
| Module | Module Title | Winter 2026 Dates (7:00pm – 9:00pm) | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Communication Strategies | February 4, 2026 | Develop your personal communication style and find the right strategies to help you communicate better. |
| 2 | Storytelling Techniques | February 5, 2026 | Use storytelling techniques to make your communication more engaging. |
| 3 | Practicing Impactful Communication | February 11, 2026 | Put into practice various skills and techniques that make communicators persuasive and impactful. |
| 4 | Communicating Through Problem Solving & Get Positive Attention | February 12, 2026 | Enhance your problem-solving aptitude by embracing conflict as an opportunity. Practice clear communication to reduce confusion and enhance understanding, even in ambiguous contexts. Learn strategies to capture and maintain positive attention. |
| 5 | Resolving Conflicts | February 18, 2026 | Enhance your problem-solving aptitude by embracing conflict as an opportunity. Practice clear communication to reduce confusion and enhance understanding, even in ambiguous contexts. |
| 6 | Communicating to Senior Leaders | February 19, 2026 | Understand the differences between horizontal communication and “communicating up.” Learn to accurately analyze the business-political landscape to better achieve your objectives. |
| 7 | Managing Optics and Perceptions | February 25, 2026 | Discover ways to build a strategic network of relationships, and how to further opportunities by facilitating conversations between unconnected parties. |
| 8 | Integrated Communication Strategies | February 26, 2026 | Create a comprehensive communication plan for a real or hypothetical scenario, incorporating storytelling, conflict resolution, and strategic messaging. |
Who Should Attend
- Early-in-career professionals: Individuals seeking to build a strong foundation in data-driven and AI business intelligence will benefit from practical learning experiences and a prestigious credential that enhances their employability.
- Project Managers / Team Leaders: Team leaders aiming to improve their project management and communication skills can learn to lead data-driven decision-making processes and drive impactful changes within their teams.
Credits
PMI Credits (32 PMI-PDU)
Successful completion of this program will earn PMI® Members, in good standing, Education PDU’s in alignment with the PMI Talent Triangle. If this applies to you, you will receive a PDU Claim Code at the conclusion of your program. For more information on how to earn your PDU’s, we recommend logging into your Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) to report PDU’s and view your certification records. Following this, if you require additional assistance, please contact PMI Support directly.
Want to learn more?
Join an online info session, or fill out the form below.
Instructors
Mark Peco
Michelle Saba
Patrick van Abbema
- CEO of AltNexus Consulting